MESA COUNTY, Colo. - On July 9, 2026, patrol deputies responded to two separate reports of assault and domestic violence incidents.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of 28 ½ Road and Highway 50, Grand Junction, for an unknown issue. Deputies contacted an adult female identified as 42-year-old Deborah Wheeler, of Grand Junction. Through the course of the investigation, deputies became aware of a suspected trespass by Wheeler at a business in the area of Highway 50 and 29 Road, along with a witness reporting a domestic dispute involving Wheeler. 

Deputies were able to contact the adult male victim associated with Wheeler and viewed damage to his vehicle that was attributed to her. Wheeler was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:

• Assault in the third degree, Misdemeanor 1
• 2nd degree criminal tampering, Misdemeanor 2
• Criminal mischief - under $300, Petty Offense
• Domestic Violence

On the evening of July 9, deputies responded to the area of 1300 12 Road in Loma for a reported strangulation and domestic violence incident. Through the course of the investigation, deputies documented injuries consistent with assault and strangulation on an adult female. At approximately 9:40 p.m., deputies arrested 22-year-old Shawn M. Russell, Jr., on the following charges:

• Assault 2nd degree with intent to cause serious bodily injury by strangulation, Felony 4 (1 count)
• Assault in the 3rd degree, Misdemeanor, 1 (2 counts)
• Domestic Violence

Russell was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident. Deputies believe these incidents are unrelated and isolated, posing no public threat. No additional information is available at this time. 

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that domestic disputes can escalate quickly and impact anyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help and report it by calling 911.